Power BI

Basic Information

• Model: Microsoft Power BI
• Version: Power BI Desktop September 2025 Update (2.147.1085.0)
• Release Date: Initial release (Project Crescent) July 11, 2011. General public release July 24, 2015.
• Minimum Requirements:
  • RAM: 2 GB available
  • Processor: 1 GHz 64-bit (x64) processor
  • Storage: 1 GB free space
  • Display: 1440x900 or 1600x900 (16:9) resolution
  • Operating System: Windows 10 or Windows Server 2016 or later
  • Browser: Microsoft Edge (Internet Explorer no longer supported)
  • .NET: 4.7.2 or later
  • WebView2: Required
• Supported Operative Systems: Windows 10, Windows 11, Windows Server 2016, 2019, 2022 or later (x64 only). macOS is supported via a virtual machine running Windows OS.
• Latest Stable Version: Power BI Desktop September 2025 Update (version 2.147.1085.0)
• End of Support Date: Power BI Desktop receives monthly updates with continuous feature additions and bug fixes. The Power BI Windows app was retired on December 31, 2023. Power BI Report Server has a 12-month support lifecycle, with security and critical updates available until the next General Availability (GA) release, followed by security updates only for the remainder of the cycle.
• End of Life Date: Power BI as a platform is not being discontinued. However, the Power BI Windows app was retired on December 31, 2023. Power BI Premium per capacity SKUs (P-SKU) are being retired; new purchases are unavailable from July 1, 2024, and existing renewals are supported until January 1, 2025, requiring a transition to Microsoft Fabric F-SKUs. Real-time streaming in Power BI will be deprecated, with creation of new models unsupported from October 31, 2024, and existing models retired by October 31, 2027.
• License Type: Free, Power BI Pro, Power BI Premium Per User (PPU), and Power BI Premium (now largely transitioning to Microsoft Fabric Capacity).
• Deployment Model: Supports On-premises, Cloud, and Hybrid deployments. Deployment pipelines, a Premium feature, facilitate staged deployments across development, test, and production environments.

Technical Requirements

• RAM: Minimum 2 GB available, 4 GB or more recommended. For handling large datasets, 16 GB to 32 GB is recommended.
• Processor: 64-bit (x64) processor. Minimum 1.4 GHz, with 2.0 GHz or faster recommended. A dual-core CPU is the minimum, while an Intel Core i5 or higher is recommended.
• Storage: Minimum 1 GB of free space. For Power BI Desktop, 5 GB of free disk space is a minimum, with 10 GB on an SSD recommended for optimal performance.
• Display: A minimum resolution of 1440x900 or 1600x900 (16:9) is required. 1920x1080 (Full HD) or higher is recommended for an enhanced user experience.
• Ports: Not explicitly specified as a direct hardware requirement for Power BI Desktop, but network connectivity is essential for accessing data sources and the Power BI Service.
• Operating System: Requires a 64-bit Windows operating system, specifically Windows 10 or Windows Server 2016 or later. macOS users can run Power BI Desktop through a virtual machine.

Analysis of Technical Requirements: Power BI Desktop demands a modern 64-bit Windows environment. Adequate RAM and processor speed are crucial, especially when working with complex data models and large datasets, where recommended specifications significantly surpass the minimum for optimal performance. A high-resolution display is also vital for effective utilization of the tool's visual capabilities.

Support & Compatibility

• Latest Version: Power BI Desktop September 2025 Update (version 2.147.1085.0)
• OS Support: Windows 10, Windows 11, Windows Server 2016, 2019, 2022 or later (x64). macOS users can access Power BI Desktop via a virtual machine.
• End of Support Date: Power BI Desktop benefits from monthly updates, ensuring continuous feature enhancements and bug fixes. Users should note the retirement of the Power BI Windows app (December 31, 2023) and the transition of Power BI Premium per capacity SKUs (P-SKU) to Microsoft Fabric F-SKUs. Real-time streaming functionality is also being deprecated, with existing models supported until October 31, 2027.
• Localization: Power BI Desktop supports a wide array of languages.
• Available Drivers: Power BI offers extensive connectivity to various data sources, including common file formats (Excel, CSV, Power BI Desktop files), numerous databases (SQL, Access, Oracle, MySQL), Azure cloud services (Azure SQL database, Azure blob storage), and online services (SharePoint Online, Microsoft Exchange Online, Dynamics 365, Salesforce, Google Analytics).

Analysis of Overall Support & Compatibility Status: Power BI demonstrates strong compatibility, particularly within the Microsoft ecosystem, and provides broad data source connectivity. Its monthly update cycle ensures ongoing improvements and new features. Users must stay informed about specific component retirements, such as the Power BI Windows app and older Premium capacity SKUs, which require migration to newer Microsoft Fabric solutions. The extensive language support enhances its global usability.

Security Status

• Security Features: Includes data governance policies, regular data quality checks, and security measures to maintain data accuracy and integrity. Row-level security is a key feature for controlling data access.
• Known Vulnerabilities: Specific known vulnerabilities are not detailed in the provided information, but continuous updates suggest ongoing security patching and improvements.
• Blacklist Status: No information available.
• Certifications: No specific security certifications are mentioned in the provided data.
• Encryption Support: Not explicitly detailed, but as a Microsoft enterprise product, it is expected to adhere to industry-standard encryption practices for data in transit and at rest.
• Authentication Methods: Not explicitly detailed, but typically integrates with Microsoft's identity and access management solutions, such as Azure Active Directory/Microsoft Entra ID.
• General Recommendations: Implementing robust data governance policies, conducting regular data quality checks, and providing adequate training on Power BI security best practices are recommended for maintaining data security and integrity.

Analysis on the Overall Security Rating: Power BI incorporates features for data governance and access control, such as row-level security, which are fundamental for enterprise data protection. Its integration within the broader Microsoft ecosystem implies adherence to established security standards. While specific certifications or detailed vulnerability reports are not readily available, the continuous update cycle suggests an active approach to security maintenance. Users are advised to leverage Power BI's built-in governance tools and implement strong organizational security policies.

Performance & Benchmarks

• Benchmark Scores: No specific industry benchmark scores are provided in the available information.
• Real-world Performance Metrics: User feedback indicates that performance can be slow, with noticeable loading times, when handling large datasets and complex dashboards. Performance improves significantly with increased RAM and more powerful multi-core processors.
• Power Consumption: No information available.
• Carbon Footprint: No information available.
• Comparison with Similar Assets: Power BI is recognized for its strong data visualization capabilities and its competitive position against other BI tools. Its seamless integration with other Microsoft products is a significant advantage.

Analysis of the Overall Performance Status: Power BI's performance is highly contingent on the underlying hardware, particularly when processing extensive and intricate data models. While it is a powerful visualization tool, users frequently report performance bottlenecks with large datasets, underscoring the importance of investing in recommended hardware specifications for a smooth and efficient user experience. Specific data on power consumption or carbon footprint is not available.

User Reviews & Feedback

User reviews highlight several strengths and weaknesses of Power BI:

• Strengths:
  • Data Visualization: Users highly value its interactive data visualization capabilities, enabling effective analysis and the creation of visually appealing reports.
  • Ease of Use: It is considered user-friendly for basic tasks and for individuals familiar with Microsoft Excel, enhancing the data visualization experience.
  • Powerful BI: Praised for its robust business intelligence features and real-time data visualization, facilitating impressive dashboards and efficient analysis.
  • Integrations: Appreciated for its extensive data connectivity and seamless integration with other Microsoft products like Excel, Azure, Teams, and SharePoint.
  • Frequent Updates: Microsoft's regular updates introduce new features and improvements based on user feedback, keeping the tool current and enhancing its capabilities.
  • Scalability: Adaptable for various needs, from individual users to large enterprises, allowing for growth without switching tools.
  • Cost-Effectiveness: The free version offers significant value, making it accessible for personal use and basic data exploration.
• Weaknesses:
  • Learning Curve: Many users find a steep learning curve for advanced features, making it challenging without proper training, especially for non-technical users.
  • Slow Performance: Performance issues, including slow loading times, are frequently reported when handling large datasets and complex dashboards.
  • Limited Customization: Advanced visual customization often requires coding (DAX or M), which can be a barrier for users without a technical background.
  • Cost: While a free version exists, the cost for Pro and Premium licenses can be significant for small teams requiring advanced features and collaboration.
  • Ecosystem Complexity: The vast number of components within the Power BI ecosystem can lead to confusion.
  • Compatibility Limitations: May encounter issues with specialized software or older systems regarding data connection, import, or syncing.
  • Granularity: Lacks granularity in certain areas like scheduled reports, personalized user views, or notifications, although data-level security is available.
• Recommended Use Cases: Power BI is highly recommended for business analysts, marketing teams, and financial departments that rely on data-driven decision-making. It is particularly effective for organizations deeply integrated into the Microsoft ecosystem and for users proficient in Excel. It also excels in presenting data visually within web applications.

Summary

Power BI is a robust and versatile business intelligence and data visualization platform offered by Microsoft. It excels at transforming diverse data sources into interactive reports and dashboards, making complex data accessible for analysis. Its primary strengths include an intuitive interface for basic operations, deep integration with the broader Microsoft ecosystem, extensive data connectivity options, and a commitment to continuous improvement through monthly updates. The platform is highly scalable, serving individual users up to large enterprises with varying licensing tiers (Free, Pro, PPU, and Fabric Capacity).

However, Power BI presents a notable learning curve for users seeking to leverage its advanced features, and performance can degrade significantly when processing very large datasets or highly complex dashboards, often necessitating substantial hardware resources. While the free version provides a strong entry point, advanced collaborative and enterprise-grade functionalities require paid subscriptions, which can be a cost consideration. Deployment flexibility is offered through on-premises, cloud, and hybrid models, with Premium features like deployment pipelines streamlining content lifecycle management. Security is addressed through data governance policies and row-level security, aligning with enterprise standards.

In conclusion, Power BI is a powerful tool for organizations aiming to foster data-driven decision-making, especially those already invested in Microsoft technologies. Optimal utilization requires a balance between user training, appropriate hardware investment, and strategic licensing to mitigate its weaknesses and fully capitalize on its extensive capabilities.

Information provided is based on publicly available data and may vary depending on specific device configurations. For up-to-date information, please consult official manufacturer resources.